There are several aspects to strategy: amongst which are the
quality of the thinking, and the quality of the implementation.
Whilst you can implement a poorly thought out strategy well,
it is better to execute a well thought out strategy. So, you will
recognise that the quality of the thinking, of you and your team,
is critical. Unfortunately "Strategy" is an over used
word: It is so often a simple substitute for "important".
How typical is its use in the sentence:
"You can strategically add strategy to any strategic
sentence to give it any strategic meaning you want it to have."
You will have heard many examples of this. For instance, are
your "strategic customers" really "strategic"
or just "important"? Is your strategy just a plan, or
will it position you in the market differently, providing you
with a sustainable profit stream?
In our work, we have come across at least 16
ways in which the word "strategy" is used in business.
These are not 16 different strategies (eg cost reduction, customer
intimacy or differentiation): nor are they 16 areas where strategy
is applied, (eg marketing & finance). They are 16 completely
different ways of thinking about what strategy means.
These 16 different ways of thinking and talking about strategy
help you think in a way that generates strategies that you can
turn into plans and actions: Strategies that are more thought
through and understood. Also by sharing a more explicit meaning
of the word, and how each of you in your management are using
it, you are more likely to have a team that work together well,
communicate richly, and walk of the room with the same understanding
of what is needed.
This is a starting point for our strategic thinking and planning
work with clients. You can imagine how it will help you improve
the quality of your thinking, conversation, planning and action.
To take a first step to improve your strategy...
Our newsletter: If
you are willing to wait, or just want a taster, then sign up for
our newsletter, which will include articles on some of the the
different forms of strategic thinking.
Presentations & training: We
offer presentations, training and talks on strategic thinking
and planning. These range from 2 hour briefings to whole day workshops
or customised training over a period.
Strategic planning away days:
We regularly facilitate away days for clients to help
them develop their strategy. We usually work with the Chief Executive/Managing
Director and the team beforehand so that the best use is made
of the limited time together.
One to one work: With
some clients we do one to one strategic thinking and work. Whilst
this is often with the owner-managers of family businesses, though
Executives and Directors in the "corporate" world also
appreciate this coaching in strategic thinking
Publications: As
well as having two books on aspects of strategy, in preparation
for publishing, we are preparing some shorter e-books, CDs and
workbooks. If you are interested in what these might contain,
or looking for something specific, let us know.
Have an exploratory conversation:
As you think how we could help you, and want to explore
things with us, just call.
